CCOMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT & DIALOGUE
We engage the community in action to make the area more inclusive and equitable for all.
We aspire to provide educational options for the community to further awareness, confidence, and competence in advocating for change and to be a more inclusive and accepting neighbor. In addition, we highlight community opportunities to engage in advocacy and outreach. In everything we do, we center the voices and perspectives of black and brown people in our community.
2022 Goals
Community Outreach
Engage community members and institutions in issues of justice, with a specific focus on engaging more white people in Whitefish Bay. We strive to further normalize conversations about race, engage in productive dialogue, and ultimately activate positive change. We will do this by providing a consistent and brave space (e.g. events & programming) to talk about equity issues impacting our community and the community around us. .
Build Partnerships
Cultivate, define, and formalize more partnerships to create more positive momentum, create more engagement and exposure for more opportunities for improvement. We will do this by appointing and sourcing a specific volunteer position to work on building the necessary infrastructure and relationships to advance this priority.
Provide Resources & Events
Encourage residents to “be a good neighbor” by providing inspiration, resources and events. The community engagement team will advance their efforts in continuing the “Whitefish Bay Bay Bridge Welcome” program started in 2021, finish toolkit development, and role model being an inclusive neighbor.
What you need to know...
Bay Bridge’s current main demographic is middle aged women who currently have children in the schools or are just beyond that stage
Bay Bridge’s demographic is missing men and younger professionals who care about racial justice and unity. We know there are many more people who care about this topic, but may have obstacles to being more visible or vocal.
Many people experience Whitefish Bay as non-inclusive
Particularly newcomers, those who didn’t grow up in the area (and have existing relationships), and those who are different (ex. 92% of WFB is white). Many of these people are looking for brave places to talk with others that share their beliefs.
Educational options for the community was one of the highest mentioned items on how Bay Bridge should affect change in the most recent community survey.
Many of the community voices asking police to investigate or requests are in themselves, racist or discriminatory in nature. There are many diversity and inclusion educational options available, some even focused on the local Milwaukee area. We just need to identify what would be most useful for our community.
Get Involved
Community
Promotion
Help us engage a different demographic and expand our outreach. We need people to spread the word (e.g. use your platforms, social media, and social circles), ask a neighbor/friend/family to attend events.
Education Opportunities
Help us plan an event to learn together, dialogue with other similar minded people (i.e. “safe space”), or find others to talk with about diversity topics to increase confidence and competence. Examples of events are book clubs, film series, speakers, etc…we will support you in the planning.
Community Building & Be a Good Neighbor
Anyone can do this from wherever they are! Work intentionally to be inclusive and welcome new diverse members of the community. Start with your block, expand your social circles, reach out to neighbors appearing less involved.
Want more info?
Contact Kathy and Carrie for more information on how you can help engage the community and build a platform for inclusion.
